Optical Accessory Detection in Image-Forming Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image-forming devices face challenges in automatically detecting and classifying demountable accessories, leading to potential damage from incorrect carriage-accessory interactions due to misconfigured parameters such as ink quantity and carriage beam distance, especially in heavy industrial printers.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an optical sensor system that captures images of the print platen, uses accessory identifiers, and performs image analysis through bi-dimensional Fourier transforms and phase correlation to automatically detect and classify demountable accessories, adjusting the device configuration accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual configuration is used for accessories, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity decreases due to manual detection and configuration time
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic accessory detection and classification through optical sensors and image analysis, allowing the device to self-configure without manual intervention. The optical sensor captures images of accessories on the print platen, and the controller automatically analyzes these images to identify and classify accessories, modifying device configuration accordingly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical configuration with an optical-based detection system. Instead of physically inspecting and manually configuring accessories, the system uses optical sensors to capture images and automated image analysis (including bi-dimensional Fourier transforms) to identify accessories and trigger appropriate configuration changes.
2Reliability
If incorrect carriage beam distance is used, then device operation is simpler, but reliability decreases due to potential damage from carriage-accessory collisions
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection and classification of accessories before the printing operation begins. The optical sensor detects accessories on the print platen, and the controller classifies them and modifies configuration parameters (such as carriage beam distance) in advance, preventing potential collisions before they occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback loop where the optical sensor continuously monitors the print platen for accessories, and the controller automatically adjusts configuration parameters based on detected accessory types. This closed-loop system ensures the carriage beam distance is appropriately configured for each accessory type, preventing damage while maintaining ease of operation.
3Loss of time
If manual accessory classification is used, then measurement precision requirements are reduced, but loss of time increases due to manual detection processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection and classification with an automated optical imaging and image analysis system. The optical sensor captures images of accessories, and the controller performs automated analysis (including bi-dimensional Fourier transforms) to rapidly identify and classify accessories, significantly reducing detection time while maintaining high classification accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transforms the accessory detection problem from manual visual classification to automated image parameter analysis. By capturing optical images and analyzing their mathematical transforms (bi-dimensional Fourier transforms), the system converts physical accessory characteristics into measurable image parameters that can be rapidly and accurately classified by the controller.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution enables automatic configuration modification to ensure safe and efficient operation, reducing human error, increasing productivity, and preventing damage to the device by ensuring correct accessory installation and operation.
Implementation Method 1
The print platen has an optical sensor associated therewith. The optical sensor is located such that it can capture an image of a demountable accessory located on the print platen.
Implementation Method 2
The image analysis comprises bi-dimensional Fourier transforms of the captured images
Implementation Method 3
The image analysis comprises phase correlation between a pair of captured images
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for detecting a demountable accessory in an image-forming device is disclosed. The image-forming device comprises a controller, a print platen suitable for receiving a substrate, and a handling mechanism. The print platen has an optical sensor associated therewith adapted to capture an image of an item on the print platen. A first image is captured. The handling mechanism carries out an adjustment action suitable for adjusting the position of the substrate on the print platen. A second image is captured. The first and second images are analysed to identify any changes and of the captured images is analysed to detect an accessory identifier. The presence of an item on the platen is determined from the analysis.